Sierra Club details Detroit environmental issues

A June 30, 2008, photo shows the City of Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant at 9300 W. Jefferson. An environmental group wants developers of a 50-year plan to improve Detroit neighborhoods and the quality of life for city residents to address traffic, pollution and other public health issues. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Susan Tusa)

DETROIT (AP) — An environmental group wants developers of a 50-year plan to improve Detroit neighborhoods and the quality of life for city residents to address traffic, pollution and other public health issues.

A State-of-the-Environment report was released Thursday by the Sierra Club’s Environmental Justice and Community Partnership Program.

The report outlines the omission in the Detroit Future City plan of industrial emissions, water contamination and air pollution close to schools. Detroit Future City was unveiled earlier this year after two years of research and community input. It focuses on job growth, land use, improving neighborhoods and rebuilding infrastructure.

“The Detroit Future City plan is our city’s opportunity to create a just, clean and prosperous future for all residents,” said Melissa Damaschke, Sierra Club’s Great Lakes program director. “We cannot miss this vital chance to protect our clean air and clean water.”

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The Sierra Club report points to heavy manufacturing and industrial hubs in and around Detroit as areas with public health concerns. The city’s southwest side is close to an oil refinery, coal-fired power plant and steel plants.

“We cannot plan for the future of Detroit without addressing the significant health impacts that residents are suffering today while living in the midst of polluting industries,” said Rhonda Anderson, Sierra Club’s Environmental Justice organizing representative.

The Associated Press left a message Thursday seeking comment from officials with Detroit Future City.

Mayor Dave Bing released the 349-page Detroit Future City blueprint in January.

The plan looks to stabilize aspects of Detroit within five years while transforming the entire city in 20 to 50 years. It suggests ways the city can transform many of its empty, ramshackle neighborhoods into viable uses. Plans call for making better use of vacant land and developing green infrastructures.

The Kresge Foundation will align its grant-making in Detroit with the project. Officials say that represents at least $150 million in investment over the next five years.